Will it break my fast if I add lemon to my hot water, or drink a TBSP of apple cider vinegar?

2 tbsp. of lemon juice: 8 calories, 2.6 g carbs, and 0.7 g sugar

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar is calorie free

Even if you put a splash of lemon in your hot water, you will still be okay. Fasting works because it keeps your insulin levels low enough to allow fat burning (oxidation) to occur.

Many health and fitness enthusiasts drink hot lemon water upon waking to cleanse the system and stimulate digestive enzymes. But lemon juice is highly acidic (citric acid), and acidic foods and drinks can cause erosion. Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel. When the enamel is worn away, it exposes the underlying dentin, which may lead to painful sensitivity. So over time, routine consumption of lemon juice will erode your enamel, which can not only make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold food but is also unsightly (dentin is yellower in colour than enamel, so its exposure makes the teeth appear hollowed and yellowed). And the temperature of your hot water does make a difference! Since the rate of chemical reactions increases with temperature, erosion will be more severe at higher temperatures.

I recommend diluting the lemon juice with a full eight ounces of water to lessen the acidity. You can further minimize risk by drinking the warm lemon juice through a straw (so it bypasses your teeth). If you elect to use a straw, be careful not to burn your palate — always test the temperature of the water with your finger before using a straw.

Many people like to consume apple cider vinegar because of the purported weight loss benefits. At the current time, there is no conclusive evidence supporting the claim that apple cider vinegar is effective for weight reduction or maintenance.

Pure apple cider vinegar is highly acidic (its main ingredient is acetic acid) and can damage tooth enamel and burn the tissues in your mouth, throat and esophagus. Always dilute it with water before consuming it.

Should we be consuming apple cider vinegar? Consuming it as a salad dressing should be fine. Taking it as a daily medical treatment may be risky. At the present time there is not enough evidence indicating that apple cider vinegar has any health benefit for any condition. Always consult with your physician. Always dilute it with water before consuming it (2 teaspoons a day mixed in a cup of water). I enjoy consuming it as a salad dressing.

Dr. Sara Solomon is the creator of the Fat Loss Fast System about Intermittent Fasting and Flexible Dieting. She has degrees from McGill University in dentistry (DMD) and physical therapy (B.Sc. PT). She is also a certified StrongFit Coach, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, ACE personal trainer, NASM fitness nutrition specialist, Mad Dogg Spinning Instructor, Level 2 Buddy Lee Jump Rope Trainer and Ambassador, a Team Bodybuilding.com and BSN athlete, and a retired PRO Fitness Model. Her passion is teaching others how to fuel and move well.